Zimbabwe Donates 370 Tonnes of Maize to Malawi in Show of Regional Solidarity

Zimbabwe Officials Handing Over the Donation

Zimbabwe has reinforced its commitment to regional solidarity after donating 370 metric tonnes of maize to Malawi, providing critical relief as the country grapples with a worsening food crisis triggered by prolonged drought and climate-related shocks. The donation was officially handed over at the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) headquarters in Lilongwe, marking the second consignment of humanitarian assistance from Zimbabwe to Malawi in recent weeks.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Chief Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) of Malawi, Dr Justin Adack Saidi, praised the Government of Zimbabwe for responding swiftly to Malawi’s appeal for assistance, describing the gesture as a reflection of deep friendship and shared responsibility between the two neighbouring nations.

Dr Saidi expressed gratitude to Zimbabwean President, His Excellency Comrade Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, for authorising the maize donation at a critical moment when millions of Malawians are facing food insecurity. “When we convened at Capitol Hill on January 27, 2026, to receive the first batch of relief items, it brought immense relief because it showed that our neighbours, regional partners, and the international community had heard our call,” said Dr Saidi.

He said the arrival of a second consignment of 370 tonnes of maize would go a long way in assisting vulnerable communities affected by climate change-induced food shortages. “A lot of lives are at stake. However, we are encouraged that, in line with the commitment of His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi, to ensure that no life is lost due to food shortages, his brother, His Excellency Comrade Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, and the people of Zimbabwe have responded generously,” he said.

Dr Saidi described the donation as a powerful symbol of regional solidarity, brotherhood, and shared history, noting that the support would strengthen long-standing ties between the two countries. “On behalf of His Excellency the President, the Government and the people of Malawi, I express our heartfelt gratitude to the Government and people of Zimbabwe for standing with us during this difficult period. Your support speaks volumes about the strong bonds that unite our two sister nations,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Malawi, Her Excellency Nancy Saungwene, reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to supporting Malawi in times of need, saying the donation was anchored in the country’s foreign policy values. “It is with a deep sense of solidarity that I stand before you once again to officiate the handover of the second consignment of humanitarian assistance from the Republic of Zimbabwe to our brothers and sisters in Malawi,” said Ambassador Saungwene.

She commended President Mnangagwa for honouring his pledge and authorising the release of the maize, adding that Zimbabwe’s foreign policy is rooted in the principle of Ubuntu, which recognises shared humanity and collective responsibility. “Our assistance today reflects our belief that we are responsible for one another. What affects Malawi also affects Zimbabwe,” she said. Ambassador Saungwene confirmed that the current delivery consists of 370 tonnes of maize and announced that a third and final consignment will be delivered on a date to be communicated.

Malawi is currently facing widespread food shortages after prolonged dry spells devastated crop production across the country. President Arthur Peter Mutharika has declared a State of Disaster in 28 districts, affecting millions of people and prompting urgent humanitarian interventions from regional and international partners.

Zimbabwe donates maize to Malawi